WITH THE new cruise shipping season merely weeks away, tourism interests say Jamaica should brace itself for a record number of arrivals.
"It could be a real banner year," notes Sanju Chatani, owner of the Taj Mahal Plaza one of Ocho Rios' premier shopping centres. "If the October schedule is anything to go by, then later in the year should be a very busy period for the island's ports. Barring anything unforeseen, we should post far better numbers than last year."
Businessman Daniel Mier agreed. "Ocho Rios will be getting a huge chunk of the market but the other ports should see some of the action too," he said. "I can't say enough for the work our local tourism officials have done to make Jamaica a major destination for cruise shipping. They are often criticised but now I think they should be lauded."
Over 20 vessels will be calling on the port of Ocho Rios alone this month, a substantial increase from last year. Officials from both Carnival and Royal Caribbean Cruise lines have expressed their satisfaction at steps the Jamaican authorities have taken to minimise the problem of visitor harassment in the resort towns, noting that they are committed to increasing the number of vessels currently calling on the island's ports.
The new season starts at the end of October.
